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From Zurich to Istanbul, 2-3 weeks

  • April 28, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 40 views

Hello everyone!
I’m planning to travel from Zurich to Istanbul next July. The trip is expected to last up to three weeks. Does anyone have any recommendations for a route or cities that are a must-visit etc.?

4 replies

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  • Railly clever
  • April 28, 2026

Budapest is a must visit. Vienna also if you have not visited it before.  I have only gone as far as Bucharest so i can only give recommendation up to that point.

 


Eliot.B
  • Community Moderator
  • April 30, 2026

If you're looking to visit Bucharest on the way, you can check the timetable here: https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/bucharest-and-sofia-to-istanbul-by-train.htm


  • Right on track
  • May 3, 2026

A good 2–3 week route is Zurich to Innsbruck or Salzburg, then Vienna and Budapest, both easy and very worthwhile stops. From there you can go to Belgrade and Sofia before finishing in Istanbul.


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  • Railly clever
  • May 4, 2026

A good 2–3 week route is Zurich to Innsbruck or Salzburg, then Vienna and Budapest, both easy and very worthwhile stops. From there you can go to Belgrade and Sofia before finishing in Istanbul.

Note however that you need a bus between Belgrade ans Sofia. Direct trains Vienna-Budapest-Belgrade should start later this year.

I would travel through Romania. Then you can do everything by train.

Haven’t been there yet but I heard great things about Cluj or Brasov for example.